Brinkley and the new baby

[Heather & Brinkley]

Hi guys!

I gave birth to our wonderful son one week ago. We brought him home last Friday. Before coming home, my parents brought a blanket that was wrapped around baby so Brinkley could smell it before we came home-- which helped; but I can't help but notice that Brinkley is having a bit of a hard time adjusting. Don't get me wrong- he's great with the baby-you can tell he's taking on the protecter role so he's accepting him as part of the pack but he certainly is not used to a baby being in my arms all the time. Of course I'm still recovering so our normal activities have been taken over by my mom (walks, play time, etc). Every morning I do spend 20 minutes rubbing his belly so he gets some time with me, but I feel badly that he seems mopey. I am sure he can also pick up on and smell that i am "hurt". I took a walk with he and my mom today for the first time, and he did well with the stroller coming along, and the fact that I came on the walk seem to perk him up. He has always slept in r room with me but the last few nights he wont. instead h goes to sleep with my mom. Is there anything I can do to help him adjust better?

[Gail and Bailey]

Congratulations on your little boy!  Extra hugs sent to Brinkley!  Looking forward to photos of Brinkley and baby!

[Janie, Jackson and Jilly]

Congratulations on your new baby boy! I think it's just a matter of time and Brinkley will know this is the new normal. Looking forward to photos of your new little one!

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Sorry just chiming in.  Don't worry. It takes time. Peri and Taquito moped around for quite some time when I brought Charlotte home. Is the baby sleeping in the room with you?  That might be a factor.  We had decided long before Charlotte came that she would NOT sleep in our room and would go straight to her crib (I know, might sound controversial).  I think that did help the dogs because they have always slept with us and continue to now, but again, baby was never in the bedroom with us.

As SOON as I was able to walk, I started walking the dogs AND Charlotte daily.  That really helped. I invested in a wonderful but $ jogging stroller, which allowed (and still allows) me to walk the baby and both dogs so I can turn it on a dime with one hand.  C had colic, so some days I would literally walk for hours on end just to keep her from screaming.  The dogs loved it.

Also, make sure you give them some treats, etc...

It takes time but they will soon understand that your baby boy is part of the pack.

One more thing:  I started making a big deal about going to get their sister from her crib. We have a morning routine where I say "Peri, Tacky, let's go get baby Charlotte up"!  And they follow me back to greet their human sister.

Hope you are healing well and HANG IN THERE. I know it's tough but it gets better and FLIES BYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

[Heather & Brinkley]

Hey, yes baby is in our room because I'm living with my parents until Dec when my husbabd graduates from PA school and moves home from New England-- so I don't really have a choice on that matter. Baby will move to his nursery when we are back in our home for good.

Things are already getting better. I got a jogging stroller as well and that's helped with walks now that I can move! Brinkkey hates to hear baby cry! He runs away! Lol!

Thanks so much!!

[Miss Ellie]

Congratulations Heather...so happy for you...I think Brinkley just needs extra reassuring that he is still your baby.  Just lots of praise when he is being good & gentle around the baby.  In no time they will be best of friends and he will definitely be his protector.  Can't wait to see pictures of the two of them together, but understand and know fully how the first few weeks are like having a new baby...your lucky to just manage time to have a shower...enjoy these special moments as they grow so quickly...take care!

[Bridget and Lupin]

Congratulations on your new baby!  It sounds like Brinkley is doing as well as can be expected.  Its a big change for everyone and he'll get there....he just has to learn his new place in the pack. Keep loving him and let him know he's special (when you can) and it will be fine. You are obviously an awesome momma so keep on keepin' on! 

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

Lots of good advice here already-but I wanted to add my congratulations! and also look forward to pictures when you are up to it.  Enjoy all that new baby loveliness! 

[Traci -Bexter & Maggie]

I remember when I brought my first son home.  We had my precious Ruby then.  I don't know if you have this issue, but I had an overwhelming sense of guilt.  I felt like I was not giving Ruby the attention she needed, so I would just pet her and cry.  I also had the baby blues, I think!  It was a hard adjustment for us all, but we made it.  Everything will be great in time.